Description 'Mourning in Kabul' (30 x 40; oil on canvas) was inspired by a photograph by Xabier Mikel Laburu Van Woudenberg. The woman in the photo suggested this composition to the photographer. While realism is not my forte, the image demanded to be painted as it screams out the harsh metaphor women face under the Taliban, and other like-minded extremists who subjugate women. It took six months to paint. 'Mourning in Kabul' and 'Atash Gozir' are the two paintings of which I am most proud; combined they show both the great beauty and the harsh struggle of Middle Eastern and Afghan women.

Julie Jalil, San Marcos, TexasMember Since August 2008Artist Statement Julie Jalil is based in San Marcos, Texas (just outside Austin). She began painting in 2004. An eclectic artist, Jalil typically works in oils, acrylic, and/or cut paper. To date, her work has developed along 4 major lines. She began with a Miscellaneous line in which she learned technique by studying the work of modern masters. She then branched into three major lines of exploration.

Her “Dancing Through Life” series focuses on the human body in motion. Her “Women of the World” series offers a serious examination of women from across the globe, with an emphasis on Middle Eastern and African women. Her newest series “Cow Town” uses colorful cows to express the fun, whimsical side of life. After completing a couple of commissions, she will begin work on a “Queens of the Blues” series.